Shane Doan Says Deal with Phoenix Coyotes Is Complete

One of the top free agents of the offseason somehow made it all summer without revealing where he will spend his time on the ice during the 2012-13 season, but he finally revealed his plans on Thursday in a radio interview with "Bickley and MJ" on XTRA 910. Via Sarah McLellan and the Arizona Republic:

The telling points:

- Doan says a deal between him and the Coyotes is done. All that he's waiting on to put pen to paper is Greg Jamison acquiring the team.

- Doan confirms what's been speculated for awhile now, that Jamison has secured the money to purchase the Coyotes and the money is waiting in escrow.

Phoenix Coyote fans, now is the time to rejoice. Finally.

The Canadian international, who has spent all 16 years of his magnificent career with the Coyotes, not only brings important leadership qualities back to a Phoenix squad that took a huge step forward in 2011-12, but he still provides plenty of talent.

Doan dropped 22 goals and 28 assists last season en route to his 11th 50-point season in the last 12 years.

Just think about that insane combination of production and consistency.

There's also the fact that the captain is easily one of the most popular sports figures in Phoenix. If he would have left for another contender, it would have been devastating for the franchise. Doan did visit with the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers in the offseason, but always made it a point to reassure his fans in the desert.

"The Coyotes have been more than fair to me in their offer as well," Doan said. "Obviously to pick up your family and move would be difficult. And I've stated to anyone that has ever listened this whole time, my goal is to stay in Phoenix. And until I believe that the team is in that much trouble, then I was going to do everything I could to make it so that I had a chance to stay here."

Doan, who turns 36 in October, said he would be signed by "midnight on the 15th" of September, which makes economic sense for him. But it also means Coyote fans will get to stop sweating out this much-anticipated decision in a little over a week.